Inflatable airfoils, and elevated and propulsion driven vehicles

ABSTRACT

An aeronautical apparatus, the combination comprising a primary airfoil having at least one panel which is an upper panel, a lower panel, and multiple gas containing tubes associated with the airfoil and extending lengthwise thereof, the tubes including relatively larger cross-section tubes positioned chordwise of the airfoil, and relatively smaller cross-section positioners located to stabilize the relatively larger cross-section tubes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to aeronautical apparatus, andmore particularly to inflated structure that form airfoils containinginflated tubing, configured to provide lift when propelled forwardly,for lifting various loads.

[0002] There is need for simple, inflatable structure that, whenpropelled forwardly, will provide lift for various loads, as forrecreational and other purposes. No prior aeronautical apparatus ofwhich I am aware provides the unusually advantageous features ofconstruction, modes of operation, and results, as are provided by theapparatus disclosed herein, for meeting the described need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is a major object of the invention to provide improvedaeronautical apparatus meeting the above need, and embodyingadvantageous structures as will appear. Basically the apparatus of theinvention comprises:

[0004] a) a primary airfoil, having at least one panel which is

[0005] i) an upper panel

[0006] ii) a lower panel

[0007] b) multiple inflated tubes protectively associated with theairfoil and extending lengthwise thereof,

[0008] c) the tubes including

[0009] i) relatively larger cross-section tubes positioned chordwise ofthe airfoil,

[0010] ii) relatively smaller cross-section tubes positioned tostabilize such relatively larger diameter tubes.

[0011] As will appear, the smaller cross-section tubes are spaced apartabout at least some of the larger cross section tubes, to provideairfoil stability. At least some of the smaller diameter tubes areconnected to at least some of the larger diameter tubes.

[0012] Another object is to provide the airfoil to have opposite endsand including chordwise extending structures at such opposite ends andconnected to one or more of the following:

[0013] i) the upper panel

[0014] ii) the lower panel

[0015] iii) ends of the relatively larger diameter tubes

[0016] iv) ends of the relatively smaller diameter tubes.

[0017] Such chordwise extending structures may be inflated, and areconnected to ends of one or more of the following:

[0018] i) the upper panel

[0019] ii) the lower panel

[0020] iii) ends of the relatively larger diameter tubes

[0021] iv) ends of the relatively smaller diameter tubes.

[0022] Such end structures typically and advantageously projectgenerally forwardly of a line defined by the generally lengthwiseextending leading edge of the airfoil, and also project generallyrearwardly of a line defined by the generally lengthwise extendingtrailing edge of the airfoil.

[0023] Another object is to provide tethers supported by the airfoil,those tethers supporting loading, as for example may includerecreational vehicles or elements.

[0024] A further object is to provide an intermediate chordwiseextending inflatable structure located between such airfoil oppositeends, and projecting forwardly and rearwardly of the airfoil. As will beseen the airfoil may be configured to be laterally generally straight,or may have swept-back V shape at opposite sides of the intermediatestructure. That intermediate structure may carry flight controlstructure or surfaces located rearwardly of the airfoil and extendingtransversely relative to said structures. The flight control surface mayinclude one of the following:

[0025] i) a panel or panels

[0026] ii) a secondary airfoil or airfoils.

[0027] One of such surfaces may comprise a rudder, and it may in turninclude internal inflatable tubing.

[0028] An additional object is to provide at least some of the airfoiltubing to comprise tubular sections having gas filled compartmentalinteriors there being walls in the tubes blocking gas flow communicationbetween said interiors.

[0029] Further, the airfoil internal tubings may include both largercross-section tubes and smaller cross-section tubes extend proximatesaid at least one panel in supporting relation therewith; and the tubingsupported panel may comprise an upper panel or membrane, which is theonly such membrane, and i.e. the tubings are downwardly exposed.

[0030] Yet another object is to provide flight controls operativelyconnected to said control panel or panels to controllably tilt same.

[0031] A yet further object is to provide at least one of the followingloads to be tether supported by the inflatable airfoil:

[0032] a) a seat for a human rider,

[0033] b) a wheeled vehicle,

[0034] c) a ski or skis,

[0035] d) a boat,

[0036] e) a skid or skids,

[0037] f) a boat hull and a hydrofoil or hydrofoils carried by the hull.

[0038] Propeller apparatus associated with such loads may comprise oneof the following:

[0039] i) a propeller and a drive therefor,

[0040] ii) a rocket

[0041] iii) a ground surface engaging wheel or wheels and a drivetherefor.

[0042] Selector mechanism may be provided to enable the operator toselect which of several propulsion systems is to be employed.

[0043] An added object is to provide a novel and useful combination ofstructural elements comprising:

[0044] a) a wheeled vehicle to be propelled by pedaling, and includingpedal driven mechanism,

[0045] b) a propeller carried by the vehicle to be rotated in responseto pedaling, thereby to provide thrust to propel the vehicle forwardly,

[0046] c) an airfoil operatively connected to the vehicle to exert liftin response to forward propulsion of the vehicle.

[0047] As will be seen, at least one gas container may be associatedwith the vehicle, and may be located in the airfoil whereby buoyant gassupplied to the interior of the container or containers will exert lifttransmitted to the airfoil and to the vehicle; and such lift may besufficient to substantially overcome the weight of the vehicle.

[0048] These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as wellas the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fullyunderstood from the following specification and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

[0049]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one variation of an inflatableairfoil embodying the invention;

[0050]FIG. 2 is a variation of a sectional view of the inflatableairfoil shown in FIG. 1;

[0051]FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views taken on lines 3-3 and 4-4 shownin FIG. 2;

[0052]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another variation of the inventedinflatable airfoil;

[0053]FIG. 6 is a variation of a sectional view taken on lines 6-6 shownin FIG. 5;

[0054]FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on lines 7-7 shown in FIG. 6;

[0055]FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are isometric views of otherforms or variations of the invented inflatable airfoil and associatedstructure;

[0056]FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on lines 16-16 shownin FIG. 11;

[0057]FIG. 17 is a section variation taken on lines 17-17 of FIGS. 13,14 and 22;

[0058]FIG. 18 is another variation like the sectional view shown in FIG.17;

[0059]FIG. 19 is another variation of the sectional view shown in FIG.16;

[0060]FIG. 20 is another variation of the sectional view shown in FIG.2;

[0061]FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken on lines 21-21 shown in FIGS. 19and 20;

[0062]FIG. 22 is an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 15;

[0063]FIG. 23 is a partial isometric view of a control surface which canbe used as a rudder, elevator or aileron, with respect to the airfoil asin FIG. 1;

[0064]FIG. 24 is an isometric view which shows apparatus as disclosedand used as a glider;

[0065]FIG. 25 is an isometric view which shows apparatus as disclosed,used as a powered glider;

[0066]FIG. 26 is an isometric view which shows apparatus as disclosedand used with a propeller driven vehicle, the device operable as anultralight aircraft;

[0067]FIG. 26a is a fragmentary view showing jet propulsion;

[0068]FIG. 27 is an isometric view which shows apparatus as disclosed,and used with a propeller driven vehicle, the device operable as anultralight aircraft, with ailerons;

[0069]FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a propeller driven human poweredbicycle, to be elevated using an airfoil or airfoils as disclosed;

[0070]FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a pedaling system for thepropeller driven human powered bicycle of FIG. 28; the right sidepedaling system of the bicycle is shown, the left side pedaling systembeing a mirror image of the right side pedaling system;

[0071]FIG. 30 is an isometric exploded view of the pedaling system shownin FIG. 29;

[0072]FIG. 31 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 typeapparatus on floats;

[0073]FIG. 32 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 typeapparatus on a sled system;

[0074]FIG. 33 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 typeapparatus on a skid system;

[0075]FIG. 34 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 typeapparatus on floats with hydrofoils;

[0076]FIG. 35 is a partially broken, isometric view which shows detailsof a brake used with an oar system for the apparatus as shown in FIG.34;

[0077]FIG. 36 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 apparatus onfloats with hydrofoils; and

[0078]FIG. 37 shows airfoil tubes 54 and 54 a in lengthwise sectionsseparated by panels, whereby accidental deflection of any one sectionwill not substantially reduce stabilized buoyancy provided by the entireairfoil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The basic aeronautical apparatus, as shown in the drawings,comprises

[0080] a) a primary airfoil, having at least one panel which is

[0081] i) an upper panel

[0082] ii) a lower panel

[0083] b) multiple inflated tubes protectively associated with theairfoil and extending lengthwise thereof,

[0084] c) said tubes including

[0085] i) relatively larger cross-section tubes positioned chordwise ofthe airfoil,

[0086] ii) relatively smaller cross-section tubes positioned tostabilize said relatively larger diameter tubes.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, an example comprises aninflatable airfoil 10 having an airfoil segment 51 extending between twolike end tubes or structures 52, and having many optional suspensionlines or tethers 53, which can be flexible or substantially inflexible.Each end tube 52 is made of an airtight flexible membrane or membranepanels. A fabric or net 52 a is optionally wrapped around the end tubeto enhance its strength. The end tube may have various diameters alongits length, although constant diameter end tubes are shown in thedrawings.

[0088] The airfoil segment 51 typically consists of many segment tubes54 contained between upper and lower membrane panels 56 and 56 a,configured as an airfoil. See also the segment tension tail 55. Eachsegment tube is also made of an airtight flexible membrane such asplastic material. A fabric or net may be optionally wrapped around thetube to enforce its strength. The segment tubes have variouscross-sections or diameters as shown, and include larger tubes 54 andsmaller tubes 54 a acting as stabilizers. Four tubes 54 a preferablystabilize certain larger tubes 54. The segment tubes are preferablyconnected to each other along their lengths, as by bonding.

[0089] The segment tubes may be cylindrical and so arranged that theyform truss-like supports relative to each other. The airfoil segment 51which the segment tubes internally support therefore is stabilized. Thesegment tension tail 55 maybe a tube, a rope or string with oppositeends connected to the end tubes 52. The airfoil segment skin is a fabricor membrane as for example plastic, which wraps around and connects withthe inter-connected segment tubes and the segment tension tail 55. Thesegment skin also connects with the end tubes 52. The compressive forcesof the ends (57, FIG. 3) of the inflated segment tubes 54 and 54 aagainst the sides of the inflated end tubes 52, and the internalpressure of the end tubes, will keep the selected length segment tensiontail 55 held close to a straight line. When the tubes 54 and 54 a arewrapped by the segment skin, and when the tubes are inflated, thetension of the segment tension tail (which is end-connected to tubes 52)will force the segment skin rearwardly away from the last segment tube(58 FIG. 2) in the sequence. Since the segment tension tail 55 is sosmall in size, it can form a relatively sharp-edged trailing edge forthe airfoil. Spaces within the airfoil but outside the tubes may also beinflated. The diameters of the segment tubes and their connections willbe so selected that when the end tubes and the segment tubes areinflated, they together with the segment tension tail and the segmentskins 56 and 56 a will form an airfoil as shown. Suspension lines ortethers 53 are provided and may comprise a string or strings or a ropewhich is or are end-connected with the segment skin. The connectionpoints of the suspension lines to the segment skin will be spaced apartat the bottom side of the airfoil segment. The lower ends of thesuspension lines will either be joined together or will connect withtraveling structure to be described later. Representative inflationdevices for the tubes appear at 400, in FIG. 2.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, another variation comprises anairfoil segment 60, as described above, two end tubes 61 and manyoptional suspension lines 62. This variation of the invented inflatableairfoil is similar to the first variation. The principle differencebeing that the opposite ends 61 a of the cylindrical end tubes 62 havecone shape. Tubes 62 are inflatable, and support the ends of the tubesin the airfoil.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 8, the inflatable airfoil 63 includes twolaterally extending airfoil segments 64, two longitudinally extendingend tubes 65, a middle tube 66 extending longitudinally, and manyoptional suspension lines 67 connected to 63, 65 and 66. The airfoilsegments, the end tubes and the suspension lines are identical to thoseof the first variation of the inflatable airfoil. The middle tube has aconstruction like that of the end tubes. The middle tube can beconsidered as a shared end tube among two adjacent inflatable airfoils64. Based on this description, although it is not shown in the drawings,an inflatable airfoil can consist of “n” (a number) of airfoil segments,two end tubes, “n-1” intermediate tubes, and many suspension lines.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 9, the inflatable airfoil 68 comprises twoairfoil segments 69, two end tubes 70, a middle tube 71 and manyoptional suspension lines 72. This variation is almost identical to thevariation shown in FIG. 8, the principle difference between these twovariations being that the forward and rearward ends of the end tubes andof the middle tube(s) of the FIG. 9 variation have cone shape.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 10, the inflatable airfoil 73 comprises twoairfoil segments 74, two end tubes 75, a middle tube 76 and manyoptional suspension lines 77. This variation is almost identical to thevariation shown in FIG. 8 except that airfoil section endwise sweep 78exists for the FIG. 10 variation. The ends of the end tubes and themiddle tube(s) may be coneshaped, as in FIG. 9.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 16, the inflatable airfoil 79 comprisesan airfoil segment 80 as in FIGS. 1-3, two end tubes 81, a laterallyextending tail plate 82, and many optional suspension lines 83. Theairfoil segment and the suspension lines are like those describedearlier. The longitudinal end tubes 81 for this variation are longerthan those previously described, to accommodate tail plate 82 which is amembrane having opposite ends connected to elongated portions of the endtubes 81. The tail plate may serve as a stabilizer for the inflatableairfoil 80.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 12, the inflatable airfoil 84 comprises twolike laterally extending airfoil segments 85, as in FIGS. 1-3, twolongitudinally elongated end tubes 86, and many optional suspensionlines 87. The airfoil segments and the suspension lines are identical tothose described earlier. The end tubes are elongated. At each end thetwo airfoil segments connect with each end tube near an end thereof.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 17, the inflatable airfoil 88 comprisestwo airfoil segments 89, two end tubes 90, an elongated middle tube 91,several stabilizer tail plates 92, and multiple optional suspensionlines 93. The airfoil segments, the end tubes and the suspension linesare identical to those described earlier. The middle tube has aconstruction similar to that of the end tube, except that the middletube is elongated. The tail plates are mounted near the rearwardmost endof the middle tube. Each of the tail plates 92 consists of many inflatedtubes 94 joined longitudinally at locations 94 a and wrapped by amembrane 95. The tail plates may serve as stabilizers or fins for theinflatable airfoil 88. The middle tube 91 can be considered as theshared end tube between two adjacent inflatable airfoils of the firstvariation. Based on this description, although it is not shown in thedrawings, an inflatable airfoil can consist of “n” (a number) airfoilsegments, two end tubes, “n-1” middle tubes, many tail plates and manysuspension lines.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 14, the inflatable airfoil 96 comprises twoairfoil segments 97, two end tubes 98, and elongated middle tube 99,multiple tail plates 100, and many optional suspension lines 101. Thisvariation is almost identical to the variation shown in FIG. 13, theprinciple difference being that the ends of the end tubes and the middletube(s) of the FIG. 14 variation have cone shape.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 22, the inflatable airfoil 102comprises two airfoil segments 103, two end tubes 104, a middle tube105, multiple tail plates 106, bracing lines 107, and many optionalsuspension lines 108. The airfoil segments, the end tubes and thesuspension lines are identical to those described earlier. The middletube 105 has construction similar to that of the end tube 104 exceptthat the middle tube is enlarged and elongated. The tail plate or plates106 are mounted near the rearward end of the middle tube 105. The tailplates are the same as those shown in FIG. 17. The bracing lines 107with ends are connected with each of the airfoil segments. The bottomportion of the middle tube 105 retains the laterally extending bracinglines 107, so that the bracing lines and the middle tube togetherprovide bracing to the two swept airfoil segments. The bottom of themiddle tube may be reinforced with additional thickness of membrane. Thebracing lines 107 are spaced apart away from tube 105 so that they canexert substantially the same forces on the airfoil segments. Theconnections of the bracing lines with the airfoil segments are similarto those of the suspension lines described for the aforementionedinflatable airfoils. The upper ends of the suspension lines 108 mayconnect with the middle tube, or the undersides of the airfoil segments,or both. This variation may have airfoils with back or forward sweeps at109 and dihedrals 100. This variation may also optionally have cones atthe ends of the end tubes or the middle tube.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 18, an alternative tail plate 111 consists ofspaced-apart inflated tubes 112 connected by membranes 113. Thisalternative tail plate may replace those described in FIGS. 13, 14 and15.

[0100] The invented devices shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 13, 14 and 15 mayoptionally have dihedrals as in FIG. 22, although none of them areshown. Also, the tail plates described in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 may becomecanards if located in front of the leading edges of the airfoilsegments, i.e. these are equivalents.

[0101] Although not shown, in lieu of being inflatable tubes, the endtubes and/or the middle tubes of all of the inflatable airfoils may beof rigid structure form or forms. For an example, an airfoil segment maybe enclosed by two rigid shells which may form a cylinder when theairfoil segment is not inflated. When the airfoil segment is inflated,the ends of its segment tubes will push apart the two shells. Thesegment tail by which each end is mounted onto each shell will be pushedtightly straight. This will form the combined airfoil segment and theend shells as an airfoil. As another example, a deflated airfoil can beenclosed inside an automobile body the side panels of which could beused as the end tubes of the inflatable airfoil. The automobile may haveengines and propulsion propellers. When the inflatable airfoil isinflated, the automobile becomes the middle tube of the inventedinflatable airfoil. The bracing lines may extend from one airfoilsegment through or underneath the automobile body to the other airfoilsegment, in the manner shown in FIG. 15. This would connect theautomobile to airplane. The optional suspension lines for this examplewill not be needed. Inflation gas or gases for the described tubes mayinclude helium, air, hydrogen, or other gases. The sizes of the airfoiland end tubes are chosen to develop lift needed to elevate the load atpropulsion speed.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 they show sectional views of avariation of the airfoil segments described previously. This airfoilsegment consists of several larger segment tubes 115, several smallerstabilizing segment tubes 115 a, and a segment upper skin or panel 116.The tubes 115 and 119 arc downwardly opening exposed. A segment tube ismade of airtight flexible membrane. A fabric or net may be optionallywrapped around the tube to enforce its strength. The segment tubes havevarious diameters. The segment tubes are longitudinally connected alongtheir lateral lengths, to each other, as at locations 115 b and 115 c,and as by bonding. The ends of the segment tubes connect with the endtubes 117, as by bonding. The segment skin is a fabric or membrane (forexample plastic film) whose frontal portion is laid and mounted on topsof the segment tubes. The lateral edges of the segment skin 120 areconnected to the end tubes 117. The lateral edges of the tail portion118 of the segment skin are connected to the end tubes 117 tangentiallyfrom the nearest segment tube 119. Together with the bundle of thesegment tubes and the forcing of the ends of the inflated segment tubesagainst the inflated end tubes, the segment skin 120 will be underproper tension and will form an airfoil like segment. The suspensionlines 121 connect to the segment tubes and the concave under portion ofthe segment skin.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 23, an inflatable airfoil segment 123 has acontrol surface 122 which can be used as an aileron, an elevator or arudder for the inflatable airfoil. The control surface consists ofseveral inflatable tubes 125, membranes 126, control line holdingprojections or rings 127, control lines 128, and control line passingprojections or rings 129. The inflatable tubes are made of airtightmembranes and are inflatable. An inflatable tube when inflated has a“U”-shaped or “E”-shaped footprint or outline, as shown. The membrane126 wraps across the inflatable tubes and forms the surfaces betweenlegs of the inflatable tubes. The membrane also extends from theinflatable tubes and joins the control surface 122 to the airfoilsegment 123. The joining surface is shown as 130 on FIG. 23. A controlline holding ring is a tab or projection with a hole on it. The controlline holding ring is mounted near the ends of the inflatable tubes. Acontrol line passing ring is also a tab or projection with a hole. Thecontrol line passing ring is mounted on the surface of the airfoilsegment. The control line is a string or a rope. One end of each controlline is connected with a control line holding ring. The other end of thecontrol line is either joined with another control line or joined withsome operable device which will be described later. The control linespass through the holes of the control line passing rings.

[0104] In using the control surface, the control line on one side, say,the top side, of the control surface is pulled, while the control lineon the other side, say, the bottom side, of the control surface will bereleased. This action will cause the control line holding rings on thetop side to be pulled closer to the control line passing rings on thetop side. This in turn tilts the control surface upwards. The controlline passing rings not only confine the control lines but also guide themovements of the control lines.

[0105] The invented inflatable airfoils described herein can be inflatedwith gases which are lighter than air. The buoyancy of the inflatableairfoil can be thus controlled. Depending on the types or mixtures ofgases used to fill the segment tubes, the end tubes, and/or the middletubes, etc. the vertical tilting angle of the inflatable airfoil canalso be adjusted.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 24 and as described previously, one end of eachof the optional suspension lines 132 connect with the inflatable airfoil133 while their other ends connect with a harness 134 for a user 135.The inflatable airfoil then can be used as a glider.

[0107] In lieu of the optional suspension lines, the bottom surface ofthe inflatable airfoil may support several loops made of flexiblematerial. These loops are used as handles. A human user can grasp theloops and use the inflatable airfoil as a glider or a parachute.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 25 and as described previously, one end of eachof the optional suspension lines 136 connects with the inflatableairfoil 137, while the other end connects with a harness 138 for a user139 who carries a power pack and a propulsion device such as a propeller140. The inflatable airfoil then can be used as a powered glider orultra light aircraft. The power pack can either be provided with anengine with fuel and control systems, or a motor with battery andcontrol systems. i.e. a form of traveling load.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 26 and as described previously, one end of eachof the optional suspension lines 141 connects with the inflatableairfoil 142, while the other end connects with a propeller driven humanpowered bicycle 143 which will be described later. The inflatableairfoil then can be used as an ultra light aircraft, propelled by thepropeller after lifting from the ground, where the bicycle is pedaledfor propulsion. FIG. 26a shows jet propulsion at 140 a of the bicycle143.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 27 and as described previously, one end of eachof the optional suspension lines 144 connects with the inflatableairfoil 145, while the other end connects with a propeller driven humanpowered bicycle 146 which will be described later. Semi-rigid suspension144 can be used, or flexible lines. A pair of control surfaces 147,corresponding to those of FIG. 23, are mounted on the inflatable airfoilat its rear edge. The control lines 148 are connected with thecontrolling devices which will be described later. The inflatableairfoil then can be used as an ultra light aircraft with ailerons, usedfor flight control.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 28, a propeller driven human powered bicycle149 includes a main frame 150, a front wheel 151, a rear wheel 152, apedaling system 153, a pedal power transmitting system 154, a seat 157,a harness system 158, a front wheel support 160, a front fender 161, arear fender 162, a handle system 165, a brake system 185, a propeller171, and a propeller protective frame 170.

[0112] The main frame 150 is generally an elongated flattened “U”-shapedrigid tube with a head tube 186 at one end, gear mounting holes (notshown) on the other end, many bends, other holes, a part holder 187,many ring anchors 188, two front connecting bars 177 to which airfoiltethers are connected, two rear connecting bars 176 to which airfoiltethers are connected, a rear wheel mounting hole 182, and a pedalingsystem mounting shell (not shown). The head tube is a short tube onwhich the two front connecting bars extending perpendicularly from twoopposite surfaces. The third surface of the head tube connects with themain tube of the main frame. Each of the front connecting bars is ashort bar with an eye at its far end, and many holes for installationsof pulleys (not shown). The part holder is a short tube extendingdownwards from the bottom of the main frame tube as shown. There areholes on the part holder. The paddling system mounting shell is a shorttube near the bottom of the frontal leg of the “U”-shaped main frame.This paddling system mounting shell is similar to a bottom bracket shellof an ordinary bicycle. The paddling system mounting shell has threadson its rims. The ring anchors are short plates extending from the mainframe. The free end of each of the ring anchors forms hole. The rearwheel mounting hole is a hole which allows the hub of the rear wheel tobe mounted onto the main frame. The two rear connecting bars extendperpendicularly from two opposite surfaces of the tube of the main framenear its end. Each of the rear connecting bar is a short bar with an eyeat its far end. The gear mounting holes and the other holes are holes onthe tube of the main frame for mounting gear boxes or other components.The bends are used so that the surfaces of the mounted front wheel andthe rear wheel as well as the axle of the propeller can be or extend onthe same plane.

[0113] The front wheel 151 and the rear wheel 153 may be bicycle wheels.The front wheel is a hollow disk wheel while the rear wheel is anordinary spoke wheel. The seat 157 is a bucket seat with optionalheadset. The seat is mounted on a seat mounting shell 175 which is aclamp with many holes. Bolts penetrate these holes and theircorresponding holes on the main frame. The bolts and nuts and washerslock the seat mounting shell on the main frame. This in turn locks theseat onto the main frame. The additional holes on the main frame willallow the seat mounting shell to be locked at different locations on themain frame, so that the distances between the seat and the paddlingsystem can be adjusted. The harness system 158 is an ordinary harnesssystem and is mounted directly onto the main frame as shown as 159. Thefront wheel support is a rigid tube with a front wheel mounting hole 181on one end, a frontal part insert 180 near its middle, and bends nearit's other end. Although a single tube is shown, the front wheel supportcould be a fork like the fork of a bicycle. The frontal part insert is ashort tube extending downwards from the front wheel support. There areholes on the frontal part insert. The front wheel mounting hole is ahole or a fork in which the axle of the front wheel is mounted onto thefront wheel support. The other end with bends of the front wheel supportis inserted and mounted into the head tube of the main frame. The frontfender and the rear fender are wheel fenders with braces. The frontfender is mounted on the front wheel support. The free end of its braceis mounted on the front wheel support at its front wheel mounting hole.The rear wheel fender is mounted onto the main frame. Its brace 189 ismounted on the rear wheel mounting hole of the main frame.

[0114] The handle system 165 consists of a front wheel control stem 163and a telescoping handle bar 172. The front wheel control stem is arigid tube which one end is inserted into and connected to the head tubeof the main frame. The other end of the front wheel control stem has ahole. The telescoping handle bar consists of two rigid tubes telescopedeach other. One end of the first tube connects with the front wheelcontrol stem with its hole by a bolt, a washer and a nut. One end of thesecond tube has a handle bar 179 which is a short tube connectedperpendicularly to the second tube. There is a hole at one end of thehandle bar. There are many holes on the first and the second tubes ofthe telescoping handle bar. The two tubes are telescoped to each otherand are connected together by bolts, nuts and washers.

[0115] The brake system 185 consists of two brake levers 166, two brakecables 205, cable guides (not shown), a front brake 173, a rear brake174, and associated structures. The brake system has the same componentsas those of an ordinary bicycle. The propeller 171 is driven by thepedal transmitting system, which will be described later. The propellerprotective frame is a cage or part of a cage which prevents foreignobjects from being hit by the propeller. Another propulsion device is asmall rocket.

[0116] Referring further to FIGS. 29 and 30, the pedaling systemconsists of an axle 190, two first sleeves 191, two bearings 192, twolocking rings 193, two second sleeves 210, two driving plates 194, twothird sleeves 195, two fourth sleeves 196, two chain rings 197, twofifth sleeves 198, two sixth sleeves 223, four springs 199, two chainring lockers 200, two pedal arms 201, two pedals 202, and four bolt andwasher pairs 203. The pedaling system can be viewed as composed of twoparts, the right part and the left part. The right part of the pedalingsystem is on the right side of the main frame while the left side is onits left side. The two parts are mirror images of each other.

[0117] The axle is a short metal bar with a central divide 206, twocircular cross-sectional portions 207, two hexagonal cross-sectionalportions 208 and two end holes 209. The central divide is in the middleof the metal bar. Each of the circular cross-sectional portions isadjacent to the central divide. Each of the hexagonal cross-sectionalportions is connected to each of the circular cross-sectional portions.Each of the end holes is at each of the end surfaces of the hexagonalcross-sectional portions. The end holes have threads.

[0118] The sleeves, (first through sixth sleeves) are short tubes withvarious diameters and lengths. The bearings are ball bearing packs. Thelocking rings are rings which have threads that can engage with theaforementioned threads of the pedaling system mounting shell. Thedriving plate is a circular plate with a hexagonal hole 211 in thecenter and two holes 212 on both sides of the central hole. The chainring is a circular plate with chain teeth 213 along its perimeter. Thechain ring has a central hole 214, two holes 215 on both sides of thecentral hole, two depressed areas 216 next to the two holes 215 and twospring ears 217 which on hollow portions 218 of the chain ring. Thechain ring locker is a plate with a central hole 219, two spring ears, anumber of extruding ears 221, and two locking rods 222. The spring earsand the extruding ears are ears extruding from the rim of the plate. Thelocking rods are rods which extrude perpendicularly from the surface ofthe plate. The locking rods are on the opposite side of the centralhole. The pedal arm is a short bar with holes, a round hole and ahexagonal hole, on each end. The pedal is a traditional bicycle pedal.

[0119] Although only one plate is shown in the figures, the chain ringmay comprise multiple plates of chain rings such as a 24-tooth chainring mounted onto a 36-tooth chain ring with a spacer to keep a properspace in between.

[0120] In assembling of the pedaling system, all components areconnected with the axle. The first sleeves are placed on the axle nextto the central divide 206. The bearings are then placed adjacent to thefirst sleeves. Then the axle with the first sleeves and the bearings areplaced inside the pedaling system mounting shell of the main frame andlocked in place by the locking rings with threads that engage with thethreads of the pedaling system mounting shell. Then, the second sleeveswill be placed on the axle. The first sleeves, the bearings, the lockingrings and the second sleeves will cover the circular cross-sectionalportions of the axle. The driving plates will then be placed onto theaxle. The hexagonal cross-sectional portions of the axle will fit andpenetrate the hexagonal hole 211 of the driving plates. The thirdsleeves are then put onto the axle. The fourth sleeves, the chain rings,the fifth sleeves and the chain ring lockers will then be put onto thethird sleeves. The third sleeves will penetrate the central holes 214and 219 of the chain rings and the chain ring lockers, respectively. Thefifth sleeves will penetrate the central holes of the chain ring lockersbut will not penetrate the chain rings. The sixth sleeves are then putonto the fifth sleeves. The locking rods 222 of the chain ring lockerswill penetrate the holes 215 of the chain rings. One end of each springwill connect with the spring ear 217 of the chain ring while the otherend will connect with the spring ear 220 of the chain ring locker. Thepedal arms then will be mounted on the axle. The hexagonal hole of apedal arm will be mounted onto the hexagonal cross-sectional portion ofthe axle. A bolt and a washer which engages with the threads of the endhole 209 will keep the pedal arm mounted onto the axle. Other bolts andwashers which penetrate the other holes of the pedal arms will lock thepedals on the pedal arms.

[0121] As mentioned, the central divide of the axle, the first sleeves,the bearings and the locking rings will keep the pedaling system inplace with respect to the main frame. The bearings will provide a propermeans for the axle and the pedals to turn about. The second sleeves willensure proper spaces between the locking rings and the driving rings.The hexagonal cross-sectional portions of the axle and the hexagonalholes of the driving plates will provide a non-sliding condition for thedriving plates when the pedals are pushed to turn. The third sleeveswill keep the driving plates and the pedal arms in their properpositions. The third sleeves will also provide rounded bases (or axles)for the chain rings and the chain ring lockers. The fourth sleeves willensure proper spaces between the driving plates and the chain rings. Thefifth sleeves will fix the chain rings in places by fixing the distancesbetween the installed pedal arms and the install chain rings. The sixthsleeves will maintain minimum spaces between the chain rings and thechain ring lockers.

[0122] When the locking rods 222 of a chain ring locker penetratethrough the holes 215 of a chain ring and the holes 212 of a drivingplate, the locking rods provide means to transfer pedaling torque fromthe driving plate to the chain ring. When a chain ring locker is pulledaway from the nearby chain ring; turned or twisted on its central hole;released; and rested on the supports of its locking rods which tips aresited on the depressed areas 216 of the chain ring, the means whichtransmit torque from the driving plate to the chain ring is no longerexist. In this way, the chain ring will not turn even if the pedalingaction is still continuing.

[0123] Corresponding to the pedaling system, the pedal powertransmitting system also composes of a right part and a left part.Referring to FIG. 28, the right part of the pedal power transmittingsystem consists of a chain 156, many guiding rings 155, a gear system168. The chain and the gear system improves over that of a bicycle. Thegear system is enclosed inside an gear box. The gear system also has itsswitching controls which are not shown in the figures. The guide ringsare sprockets which are mounted on holes of ring anchors of the mainframe. The guide rings guide the chain so that the chain can transmitthe torque from the pedaling system to the gear system then to the rearwheel.

[0124] The left part of the pedal power transmitting system consists ofa chain 224, many guide rings 225, and a gear system 169. The chain issimilar to this of any bicycle. The guide rings are sprockets which aremounted on holes of ring anchors of the main frame. The guide ringsguide the chain so that the chain can transmit the torque from thepedaling system to the gear system then to the propeller. The gearsystem consists of a gear set which includes its switching or selectionapparatus (not shown) and a gear box. The gear set is similar to this ofany bicycle. The gear set is mounted on the gear box which changes thedirections of transmitted torque (for example 90°) to turn thepropeller.

[0125] In using the propeller driven human powered bicycle purely as abicycle, a user firstly makes sure that the locking rods of the chainring lockers penetrate and join together the chain rings and the drivingplates such that the torque from the pedaling system can be transmittedonto the propeller and the rear wheel. The user then pedals the pedals.After a initial speed is reached, the propeller driven human poweredbicycle will move in a stable manner, in a way just like that of anordinary bicycle in operation. The rider then stops pedaling momentarilyand meanwhile pulls the chain ring locker of the right side pedalingsystem away from the driving plate and the chain ring in turn and letsthe locking rods rest on the depressed areas of the chain ring. Then therider can continuously do the pedaling. At this time, only the propellerwill be continuously spinning, but the rear wheel will no longer supplythe driving power or propulsion. Then only the driven propeller drivesthe bicycle.

[0126] A user may also operate the bicycle without using the propeller.In this case, the user releases the engagements of the locking rods withthe chain ring and the driving plate of the left side pedaling system.The user ensures the engagements of the locking rods with the chain ringand the driving plate of the right side pedaling system. This enablesselective drive of the propeller or the bicycle wheel. The devices shownin FIG. 28 can then be operated as a bicycle.

[0127] Referring back to FIG. 26, one end of the suspension lines 141connect with the inflatable airfoil while their other ends connecteither directly with the eyes at the front connecting bars and the rearconnecting bars of a propeller driven human powered bicycle, orindirectly connect with extension means, such as cloth belts, which inturns connect with the eyes of the connecting bars. The inflatableairfoil is filled or partially filled with light gases which allow theinflatable airfoil to float in the air. Therefore there is no need forsupports for the wing (the inflatable airfoil). The inflatable airfoilcan also be sized such that majority of the dead weight of the devicesshown in FIG. 26 can be counter-balanced by the buoyancy of the gasesthat fill the inflatable airfoil. Thus the user of the devices shown inFIG. 26 only needs to pedal to lift his/her own weight, forward travelof the apparatus including the airfoil providing lift. This makespossible the use of the apparatus of the invention as an ultra lightaircraft.

[0128] In using the devices as shown in FIG. 26, a user firstly makessure that the locking rods of the chain ring lockers penetrate and jointogether the chain rings and the driving plates such that the torquefrom the pedaling system can be transmitted onto the propeller and therear wheel. The user then pedals the pedals. After a initial speed isreached, the propeller driven human powered bicycle will move in astable manner, in a way just like that of an ordinary bicycle inoperations. The rider then stops pedaling momentarily and meanwhilepulls the chain ring locker of the right side pedaling system away fromthe driving plate and the chain ring in turn, and lets the locking rodsrest on the depressed areas of the chain ring. Then the rider cancontinuously do the pedaling, at which time, only the propeller will becontinuously spinning but the rear wheel will no longer supply thedriving power. Then only the propeller drives the devices. As the speedof the apparatus increase, the aerodynamic forces acting on theinflatable airfoil will increase and eventually lift the devices and theuser off the ground. The device then becomes an ultra light aircraft.

[0129] The user can adjust the pedaling forces and frequencies tocontrol the lift of the apparatus. The front wheel can be a hollow diskwheel used as a rudder for the devices, because the disk can deflect theair flows and make the devices turn. The user can also shift his/herposition on the seat. This will shift the position of the center ofgravity of the devices and the user. Due to the fact that the suspensionlines are connected at four different locations of the main frame, theshifts of the center of gravity will help to change the pitches androlls of the inflatable airfoil. This will provide additional means forthe user to control the devices.

[0130] The telescoping handle bar and the seat mounting shell providemeans for a user to adjust the distances between himself/herself and thepedals and the handles so that he/she can operate the invented devicescomfortably.

[0131] Referring back to FIG. 27, the connections of the suspensionlines with the propeller driven human powered bicycle are the same asthose described for FIG. 26. In FIG. 27, two ailerons and four controllines are introduced. One end of each of the four control lines 148, twoon the top side of each of the ailerons 147 and two on their bottomside, are connected to holes or other structure on the handle bar. Thetop two lines will pass through a series of control line passing rings(not shown for clarity purposes) and travel forwardly on the top surfaceof the airfoil segment. These two lines will pass through the pulleys onthe opposite side front connecting bars and then connect on the handlebar. The bottom two lines will travel directly from the aileron to passthrough the pulleys on their corresponding side front connecting barsand connect with the handle bar. In this connection way, when the handlebar is pushed left, the handle bar will pull the top control line of theleft aileron while release its bottom control line. This action willcause the left aileron to bend upwards. At the same time, the topcontrol line of the right aileron will be released while its bottomcontrol line is tightened. This action will cause the right aileron tobend downwards. The bending upwards of the left aileron and bendingdownwards of the right aileron will cause the inflatable airfoil to rollin a counterclockwise direction. Meanwhile, the airflow will push thefront wheel rightwards. Together with the ailerons and the front wheelwhich acts as a rudder, making coordinated turns in air for the devicesshown in FIG. 27 becomes possible. The inflatable airfoil then can beused as an ultra light aircraft with ailerons.

[0132] The propeller driven human powered bicycle can have auxiliarytorque supply devices which will help to turn the propeller. Theauxiliary torque supply devices can include an electric motor mounted onthe gear system of the pedal power transmitting system. The auxiliarytorque supply device can be an engine mounted on the gear system of thepedal power transmitting system. The auxiliary torque supply deviceswill have their own power/fuel supplies and control means mounted on themain frame.

[0133] The propeller driven human powered bicycle may have more than onepedaling system, one pedal power transmitting system, one seat, and oneharness system so that multiple users can ride in tandem.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 31, a floating system 229 is mounted onto apropeller driven human powered bicycle so that it can be used on watersurfaces. The floating system consists of a front float system 251, arear float system 252, and a brake system 245.

[0135] The front float system comprises a front float 231, a frontfloat-mounting platform 235, and a front float-mounting frame 236. Thefront float is a cylinder-like body with the front float-mountingplatform mounted on its top. The front float-mounting platform is aplate with sockets 243 mounted on its top. The front float-mountingframe in general is an “H”-shaped rigid frame. There are holes on eachend of the four legs of the front float-mounting frame, used formounting of the front float-mounting frame. One of the top two ends ofthe front float-mounting frame is inserted into the frontal part insert180 of the front wheel support 160 of the propeller driven human poweredbicycle. The other end of the upper two ends of the front float-mountingframe is mounted on the front wheel mounting hole 181 of the propellerdriven human powered bicycle. The bottom two ends of the frontfloat-mounting frame are inserted into the sockets of the frontfloat-mounting platform. All of the insertions are fastened in placeswith bolts, nuts and washers.

[0136] The rear float system 252 comprises of a right float 232, a leftfloat 233, a rear float-mounting platform 234, a rear float frontmounting frame 237 and a rear float rear mounting frame 238. The rightfloat and the left float are cylinder-like, with the rear float-mountingplatform mounted on its top. The rear float-mounting platform is a“D”-shaped plate with many sockets 244 on its top. The rear float frontmounting frame comprises an inverted, twisted, generally “U”-shapedframe and a rod. There are holes at the ends of the rod and the ends ofthe legs of the “U”-shaped frame. There is also a hole on the middle ofthe “U”-shaped frame. The “U”-shaped frame is mounted onto the tube ofthe main frame of the propeller driven human powered bicycle by a bolt,a nut and washers 239. The bolt penetrates the hole in the middle of the“U”-shaped frame and the frontal part insert hole 183 (FIG. 28). One endof the rod is inserted into the part holder 187 of the main frame andthe other end is inserted into one of the sockets of the rearfloat-mounting platform. The two legs of the “U”-shaped frame areinserted into two other sockets. The rear float rear mounting frame isgenerally an inverted “U”-shaped frame with a hole in the middle, and ateach end of the two legs. The rear float rear mounting frame is mountedonto the main frame by a a bolt, a nut and washers 240. The boltpenetrates the rear part insert hole 184 (FIG. 28) and the middle holeof the “U”-shaped frame. The ends of the two legs of the “U”-shapedframe are inserted into the sockets on the rear float-mounting platform.All of the insertions are secured in place by bolts, nuts and washers.

[0137] The brake system 245 comprises a pedal link 248, two pedals 250,and two brake anchors 246. The pedal link is “U”-shaped plate with agap, the pedal gap 249, in the middle. The pedals are plates mounted onthe tips of the two legs of the pedal link. There is a hole on one endof each of the pedals. The brake anchor comprises a socket 242, ananchoring rod 241, and a spring 247. The socket is mounted on top of therear float-mounting platform. The anchoring rod has an enlarged portionat one end and a hole at the other end. The anchoring rods penetrate theholes of the pedals as well as the centers of the springs, and havetheir ends inserted into the sockets. The insertions are secured inplace by bolts, nuts and washers. The enlarged end of the anchoring rodskeep the pedals from being pushed away from the brake anchors by thesprings. The springs push the pedal link up above water. The pedal gapprevents the pedal link from interfering with the movements of thechains 224 (FIG. 28).

[0138] The uses of the devices shown in FIG. 31 are different from thoseof the devices shown in FIG. 28. Since the devices shown in FIG. 31 areover water, and the wheels will not be in the water, the main forces tomove the bicycle are provided by pedaling, and by the push or the pullof the propeller. Because the wheels will be above water, the brakesystem which works on the wheel will not aid the slowing down or brakingof the bicycle. The brake system 245 is therefore provided. During anormal operation of the bicycle, the springs 247 of the brake anchorwill push the pedals 250 to their highest positions. However, when theuser needs to provide braking to the devices in motion, the user pushesthe pedal 250 of the brake system downward. This in turn pushes aportion of the pedal link 248 into the water, which provides additionaldrag to the devices. A braking action is therefore provided to thedevices.

[0139] The turns of the front wheel will turn the front float, whichwill change the directions of the devices shown in FIG. 31. The devicesshown in FIG. 31 can be connected with an inflatable airfoil as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27. The combined device then becomes an ultra lightfloatplane.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 32, a sled system 253 can be mounted onto apropeller driven human powered bicycle so that it can be used on groundcovered with snow. The sled system comprises a front sled system 254, arear sled system 255, and a brake system 256. The front sled systemcomprises a front sled 257 and a front sled-mounting platform 258. Thefront sled is tray-like sled and has sockets 259 mounted on its top. Thefront sled-mounting frame is the same as the front float-mounting frameof the devices shown in FIG. 31. The front sled-mounting frame ismounted on the front wheel support of the propeller driven human poweredbicycle. The front sled-mounting frame is inserted into the sockets ofthe front sled. The insertions are fixed in places with bolts, nuts andwashers.

[0141] The rear sled system 255 comprises a sled plate 260, a rear sledfront mounting frame 263 and a rear sled rear mounting frame 264. Thesled plate has a tilt-up front end and many mounted sockets 261. Therear sled front mounting frame and the rear sled rear mounting frame arethe same as the rear float front mounting frame and the rear float rearmounting frame, respectively, and their mountings onto the main frameare the same. The ends of the legs of the rear sled front mounting frameand the rear sled rear mounting frame are inserted into the sockets onthe sled plate. All of the insertions are secured in place by bolts,nuts and washers. There is a slot, the brake slot 262, on the sledplate.

[0142] The brake system 256 is the same as the brake system of thedevices shown in FIG. 31. The brake system is mounted on the sled platein a manner similar to that for the devices shown in FIG. 31. The pedallink of the brake system 256 is over the brake slot 262 of the sledplate.

[0143] The uses of the devices shown in FIG. 32 are different from thosedevices shown in FIG. 28. Since the devices shown in FIG. 32 will beover snow covered ground, and the wheels will not touch the snow, themain forces to move the bicycle are provided by pedaling and by the pushor the pull of the propeller. Because the wheels will be above snow, thebrake system which works on the wheel will not help for slowing down orbraking of the bicycle. The brake system 256 is therefore provided.During a normal operation of the bicycle, the springs of the brakeanchor will push the pedals and the pedal link 265 away from the slot ofthe sled plate. However, when the user needs to provide braking to thedevices in motion, the user will push downward the pedal of the brakesystem. This in turn pushes the tip of the pedal link into the snow ofground. This in turn also provides additional drag to the devices, andbraking action is therefore provided.

[0144] Turning of the front wheel turns the front sled, which willchange the direction of the device shown in FIG. 32. The devices shownin FIG. 32 can be connected to an inflatable airfoil in the manner shownin FIGS. 26 and 27. The combined device then becomes an ultra lightairplane which can take off or land on snow.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 33, in lieu of the almost continuous plate ofthe sled plate 260 shown in FIG. 32, the sled plate of the rear sledsystem can be modified to include skids 266. The latter may optionallyhave many holes for anchoring other auxiliary components. The devicesshown in FIG. 33 also have a front sled system and a brake system whichare substantially the same as those of FIG. 32, the only difference ofthese two systems between the two devices is in the pedal link of thebrake systems. The pedal link of the brake system shown in FIG. 33 has asemi-circular notch 277 on its bottom rim.

[0146] The uses of the devices shown in FIG. 33 are the same as those ofthe devices shown in FIG. 32.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 34, the devices as shown in FIG. 33 can beequipped with floats 267 that are mounted on the skids, the sled plateand the front sled by means of various types of clamps 268. In this way,the devices shown in FIG. 33 can be used on water. Furthermore, arudder/support 269 can be mounted on the bottoms of the clamps for thefront sled. A pair of hydrofoils 270 can be mounted near the tip of therudder/support. The rudder/support basically is a plate with mountingmeans to connect with the clamps above and the hydrofoil below. Two setsof struts 271 and 272 can be installed underneath some of the clamps andtwo additional hydrofoils 273 and 274 can be installed at the tips ofthe struts. This will convert the devices shown in FIG. 33 into ahydrofoil. The rudder/support will act as a rudder for the devices shownin FIG. 34.

[0148] Because the floats of the hydrofoil shown in FIG. 34 will belifted off the water when the hydrofoil is in adequate motion, the brakesystem for the devices shown in FIGS. 31, 32 or 33 will no longer befunctional during the motion. A modified brake system thus is provided.Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the modified brake system 278 comprises apedal link 279, two pedals 280, two brake anchors 281, an oar 282, andan oar anchoring system 283. The pedal link is “U”-shaped plate with agap, the pedal gap 284, in the top middle edge. There is a semi-circularnotch 277 in the bottom middle edge. and a hook 285 is at the middlebottom of the pedal link. The semi-circular notch and the hook encompassan elongated circular area. The hook can be turned on its anchoringaxis. The pedals are plates mounted on the top tips of the two legs ofthe pedal link. There is a hole on one end of each of the pedals. Thebrake anchor consists of a socket 286, an anchoring rod 287, and aspring 288. The socket is mounted on the top of the skid. The anchoringrod has an enlarged portion at one end and a hole at the other end. Theanchoring rods penetrate the holes of the pedals as well as the centersof the springs and have their ends inserted into the sockets. Theinsertions are secured in place by bolts, nuts and washers. The enlargedend of the anchoring rods will keep the pedals from being pushed awayfrom the brake anchors by the springs. The pedal gap prevents the pedallink from interfering with the movements of the chains 224 (alsoreferring to FIG. 28).

[0149] The oar anchoring system 283 consists of a platform 289 and twooarlocks 290. The platform is a plate mounted on the two skids in frontof the pedal link. There is about a 10-inch gap between the pedal linkand the edge of the platform. The oarlocks are two “C”-shaped hooks withconnection rods 291 which are mounted underneath the platform. The twooarlocks are mounted about six inches apart with the opening of the“C”-shape hook facing forwards. The oar consists of a blade 292, a shaft293, and a grip 294. The blade is mounted on one end of the shaft andthe grip is on the other end. The grip is a short bar mounted at itsmiddle on an end of the shaft. Normally, the oar's shaft penetrates theelongated circular area encompassed by the hook 285 and the semicircular notch 277. The shaft lays on the hook. The elongate circulararea is about one and half times long of the diameter of the shaft ofthe oar. The hook is about a half diameter of this of the shaft. Thehook will not be able to turn when the shaft is resting on the hook,because the shaft and the pedal link will restrict the movement of thehook. The grip 294 rests in the oarlocks with the shaft staying inbetween the two oarlocks. The springs push the pedal link up which inturn pushes the oar into a roughly horizontal position. This will keepthe brake system above water.

[0150] When a brake action is needed, for example while the floats arelifted above water during rapid movements of the devices shown in FIG.34, the user pushed the pedals 280 downward. The pedal link then willpush down the oar. Because the grip of the oar is inside the oarlocks,the grip will become the pivot of the oar. The blade of the oar will bepushed into the water and will cause added drag for the devices, andbraking action then will take place. When the user's feet are raised offthe pedals, the springs of the brake system will push the oar up to itsoriginal position.

[0151] A user can also take the oar off the brake system when the deviceis floating above water. In doing so, the user firstly lifts the oar upso that its shaft touched the semi circular notch, and the bottom of theshaft will then be cleared off the tip of the hook 285. The gap betweenthe pedal link and the edge of the platform enables the user's hands toreach the shaft and the hook. Then the user turns the hook 90 degrees.The oar then can be moved forward so that the grip comes out of theopenings of the “C”-shaped oarlocks. The user can take the oar out anduse the oar as an ordinary oar.

[0152] The floats of the devices shown in FIG. 34 can be inflatablebecause the forces from the hydrofoils will not be directly exerted onthe floats. A variation of the devices shown in FIG. 34 is shown in FIG.36. In this variation, the floats are rigid, whereby the hydrofoils andtheir associated components can be mounted directly onto the floats oronto platforms which are mounted on the bottoms of the floats.

[0153] The uses of the devices shown in FIGS. 34 and 36 are similar tothose of a hydrofoil. When the devices are connected with theaforementioned inflatable airfoils, the devices then become ultra lightfloatplanes.

[0154] In FIG. 37, a buoyant airfoil of the type seen in FIGS. 1-3, haslarger and smaller tubes which comprise lengthwise extending multiplesections 54′ and 54 a′, separated by panels 354 which extend chordwise.The gas filled interiors 355 and 355 a of the sections do notcommunicate with the interiors of other sections. Therefore, accidentalgas leakage from, or deflation of, any one or tow sections will notsubstantially reduce or affect the stability of the entire airfoil, asduring forward travel.

I claim:
 1. In an aeronautical apparatus, the combination comprising a)a primary airfoil, having at least one panel which is one of thefollowing: i) an upper panel ii) a lower panel, b) multiple gascontaining tubes associated with the airfoil and extending lengthwisethereof, c) said tubes including i) relatively larger cross-sectiontubes positioned chordwise of the airfoil, ii) relatively smallercross-section positioners located to stabilize said relatively largercross-section tubes.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein thepositioners are smaller cross-section tubes spaced apart about at leastsome of the larger cross section tubes, to form a truss-like structureand provide airfoil stability.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein atleast some of the smaller diameter tubes are connected to at least someof the larger diameter tubes.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein theairfoil has opposite ends, and including chordwise extending structuresat said opposite ends and connected to one or more of the following: i)the upper panel ii) the lower panel iii) ends of the relatively largercross-section tubes iv) ends of the relatively smaller cross-sectionpositioners.
 5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said structurescontain gas.
 6. The combination of claim 4 wherein said structuresproject generally forwardly of a line defined by the generallylengthwise extending leading edge of the airfoil.
 7. The combination ofclaim 6 wherein said structures also project generally rearwardly of aline defined by the generally lengthwise extending trailing edge of theairfoil.
 8. The combination of claim 4 wherein said structures haveopposite ends characterized by at least one of the following: i) bluntends ii) tapered ends.
 9. The combination of claim 1 including tetherssupported by said airfoil.
 10. The combination of claim 7 includingintermediate chordwise extending structure located between said airfoilopposite ends, and projecting forwardly and rearwardly of the airfoil.11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said airfoil is configured tohave swept-back V shape at opposite sides of the intermediate structure.12. The combination of claim 1 including a flight control surfacecarried by said apparatus.
 13. The combination of claim 7 including aflight control surface located rearwardly of the airfoil and extendingtransversely relative to said structures.
 14. The combination of claim13 wherein said flight control surface is one of the following: i) apanel or panels ii) a secondary airfoil or airfoils.
 15. The combinationof claim 14 including tethers supported by said primary airfoil and bysaid flight control surface.
 16. The combination of claim 12 whereinsaid flight control surface is a rudder.
 17. The combination of claim 1wherein at least some of said tubes comprise tubular sections having gasfilled compartmental interiors, there being walls in the tubes blockinggas flow communication between said interiors.
 18. The combination ofclaim 2 wherein there are at least three of the small cross-sectiontubes about each of at least two of the larger cross-section tubes. 19.The combination of claim 18 wherein at least some of said tubes aresubstantially cylindrical.
 20. The combination of claim 18 wherein atleast some of the larger cross-section tubes are cylindrical, and atleast some of the smaller cross-section tubes are cylindrical.
 21. Thecombination of claim 1 wherein said tubes consist of flexible sheetmaterial, and both larger cross-section tubes and smaller cross-sectiontubes extend proximate said at least one panel in supporting relationtherewith.
 22. The combination of claim 1 wherein the one panel is anupper panel, which is the only panel of the airfoil.
 23. The combinationof claim 13 including controls operatively connected to said controlpanel or panels to controllably tilt same.
 24. The combination of claim1 including a carrier located below the level of said airfoil, and atleast one connector connecting the carrier to the airfoil.
 25. Thecombination of claim 24 wherein said at least one connector comprises atleast one tether.
 26. The combination of claim 24 wherein the carrier isone of the following: a) a seat for a human rider, b) a wheeled vehicle,c) a ski or skis, d) a boat, e) a skid or skids, f) a boat hull and ahydrofoil or hydrofoils carried by the hull, g) a float or floats, h) asled, i) a bicycle.
 27. The combination of claim 1 including propulsionapparatus operatively connected to the airfoil.
 28. The combination ofclaim 27 wherein said propulsion apparatus comprises at least one of thefollowing: i) a propeller and a drive therefor, ii) a rocket iii) aground surface engaging wheel or wheels and a drive therefor.
 29. Thecombination of claim 27 wherein said propulsion apparatus comprises i) aframe and a ground engaging wheel or wheels carried by the frame, and adrive therefore carried by the frame, ii) a propeller and a drivetherefore carried by the frame, iii) tethers connecting the airfoil tothe frame.
 30. The combination of claim 29 including selection mechanismcarried by the frame to enable operator selection of drive activation tothe wheel or wheels, or drive actuation to the propeller.
 31. Thecombination of claim 30 wherein said mechanism includes a clutch carriedby a sprocket via which drive is selectively transmitted via a chain orchains.
 32. The method of travel using a lifting airfoil, a wheeledvehicle to be propelled by pedaling, and a propeller, that includes thesteps i) pedaling to wheel drive the vehicle to gain speed, ii) thenpedaling to propeller drive the vehicle to gain further speed, iii) thenoperating the airfoil to lift the vehicle, while continuing pedaling topropeller drive the lifted air-borne vehicle, in a travel direction. 33.The method of claim 32 including inflating the airfoil with buoyancygas.
 34. The method of claim 32 including providing and operating aclutch to shift the drive from a wheel drive mode to a propeller drivemode, between said steps i) and ii).
 35. The method of claim 32, whereinthe vehicle has a turnable front wheel, and including configuring saidfront wheel as a rudder, turning the front wheel while the vehicle isair-borne to control the direction of travel of the vehicle.
 36. Themethod of claim 32 including providing a control surface or surfaces inassociation with the airfoil, and moving said surface or surfaces tochange one or more of the following: i) lift produced via the airfoil,ii) direction of travel of the airfoil and vehicle, iii) elevation ofthe airfoil and vehicle.
 37. The method of claim 32 including providingan auxiliary torque device in association with the vehicle, andoperating said device to increase one of said drives.
 38. The method ofclaim 32 including a brake associated with the vehicle.
 39. Incombination, a) a wheeled vehicle to be propelled by pedaling, andincluding pedal driven mechanism, b) a propeller carried by the vehicleto be rotated in response to pedaling, thereby to provide thrust topropel the vehicle forwardly, c) an airfoil operatively connected to thevehicle to exert lift in response to forward propulsion of the vehicle.40. The combination of claim 39 including at least one gas containerassociated with the airfoil.
 41. The combination of claim 40 whereinsaid at least one gas container is located in the airfoil wherebybuoyant gas in the container exerts lift transmitted to the airfoil andto the vehicle.
 42. The combination of claim 41 wherein sufficientbuoyant gas is provided in said at least one container to exert liftingforce to substantially overcome the weight of said vehicle.